The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-10-17

Photographs Taken by Pistol FIash-Some-
thing for Amateur Photographers.
PbiIadeIphia Evening Teiegraph

Photographs Taken by Pistol FIash-Some-
thing for Amateur Photographers.
Philadelphia Evening Telegraph.
Amateur photography has made another long
stride forward Hitherto the only means of
photographing at night have been by means OF
the kerosene, or calcium, electric lights Ali
of these demanded more or less paraphernalia,
and were not portable to any available degree.
Magnesia wire. when burned, was known to
produce light of strong actiuic quality, and
lamp had been devised with which to burn 1t for
Photographic purposes. 1t was not satisfactory
light. however. as it was unsteady and liable to
60 out. From magnesium. however, DR.. Fl. G.
Piffard q physician residing at No. 10 West
Thirty-ftth street, has devised exactly the
thing desired, and he last evening explained his
invention.
1t consists in powdered magnesium spread
upon guncotton. The ignition of the guncotton
furnishes the heat necessary to set fire to the
magnesium, and the result is brilliant flash,
powerful enough to sufficiently expose the plate
and easily available under any circumstances.
The photograph is instantaneous. The doctor
first discussed German powder invented for
the purpose, stating that while it's light effects
were excellent it's very explosive quality made
it q dangerous article either to handle or have
about He next discussed and exhibited mix.
ture of four parts OF gunpowder and one part of
magnesium, which, when flashed, answered
the purpose desired. 1t was neither as con-
venient nor effective however. the guncot-
ton onbination. After burning samples Of
these and showing their effects, he fired cart
fridge of magnesium and gunpowder from
ordinary revolver. showing that the fash was
quite sufficient for an instantaneous photograph.
He then proceeded to darken the room and to
photograph Mr.. Robert Roosevelt The camera
was adjusted. and as the cap was removed the
Doctor touched a match to a small piece of
powdered cotton. The light flashed in the dark
ness, and when, some minutes later, the devel-
oped plate appeared an excellent negative of
Mr. Roosevelt was the result. Several portraits
taken the night before were exhibited. and the
practical value of the invention was indisputabiy
established
The result will be that the amateur photog-
rapher will henceforth 60 cunning in the
darkness and Law out a plate everything he
may choose to shoot at The camera will be
fitted To pistol barrel or the pistol barrel to
the camera. and cooking the weapon will expose
the plate. AS the weapon is aimed the
flash from the muzzle will instantly to
photograph the object, and the game will
be securely bagged in a moment. The
fleeing thief, the EXPRESSION of the man
who treads upon the unforeseen carpet
tack as well as that of the husband out late who
is trying to assume an EXPRESSION of indifferent
sobriety before he lights the domestic gas, will
now adorn the albums. where they have hither-
TO been unknown The invention is valuable
commercially, one photographer stating that he
had concluded make of it In his gallery
as soon the winter sunlight began to weaken
early in the afternoon. 1t will also greatly
widen the fields of amusement and experiment.
which have attracted some thousands to anna
teur photographery.